Analysis of Doctoral research at the Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science, Kenyatta University (1988-2011): implications for health and sports development in Kenya

Abstract:

This article analyses studies which were conducted for doctor of philosophy degrees in the
department of Physical and Health education and Exercise Science at the Kenyatta University
with a view of appraising their impact and possible contribution towards sports development in
Kenya. Twelve (12) studies were reviewed over the 25-year period which cut across a broad
spectrum of areas of study in Physical Education and Sport ranging from Anthropology and
Sports History, Didactics, Sports Administration, Outdoor Education, Social-Psychology of
Sports, fitness and health-related aspects. Soccer, athletics and volleyball were predominantly
investigated in the studies. In most of the studies the findings were descriptive in nature and have
limited applications needed to address strategic priorities of sports development in Kenya. The
department need to encourage studies which are relevant to the numerous and diverse areas in
sports in Kenya and most aptly relevance to the Kenya population. Implications of the findings
for post-graduate Physical Education curriculum review are discussed.